HZED

HZED

First formed in 2013 as an unnamed project guitarist Shannon Stewart and then bass player Sam started writing originals. Cutting their teeth and learning to craft and develop original killer rock songs, they worked tirelessly to create a sound and personality of their own. With a couple of false starts in looking for the definitive HZED sound and style; it wasn’t until Shannon approached his sister Michelle to join the band.

Coming from a family with a strong background in music Michelle MacPherson who had sung before and played keyboards in bands previously even one with Shannon on guitar. Michelle hadn’t sung or fronted a band for many years and her energy, ideas and voice took things to the next level.

In 2014 where they first debuted at the front bar at Melbourne’s iconic Espy Hotel front bar when so, so many have launched their careers HZED had worked tirelessly to write and demo a collection of original songs that would lead to today.

2019 saw yet another line up change with original bass player Sam leaving. Filling the role of new bass player wasn’t as straight forward as the band may have thought and it wasn’t until June of 2020 that bass player Adam Murray formerly of Sydonia joined the band. In a world turned upside down by Covid, the new line up began to write, record and rework songs with a new energy. The synergy of the band was complete and old songs took on a whole new life and the definitive HZED sound was formed.

The new sounding HZED made their live debut at Melbourne’s live music institution, The Bendigo Hotel on March 21 of 2021, to a very receptive crowd.

The name itself comes from the HZ Holden, a truly iconic Australian muscle car that much like the band refuses to die, performs best when tuned to purr and has more than enough grunt under the hood to rattle the soul and drop jaws when heard.

Musically HZED are a melting pot that transcends generations. With feet firmly planted in the roots of the last 5 decades and influences that make up the cream of rock royalty. HZED bring the power of the late Chrissy Amphlet through lead singer Michelle. A rhythm section that drives ferociously in and out of oncoming traffic and guitars that shift and change as those would in the highest octane of muscle car.

Late 2021 saw the new sound HZED enter the studio with producer Russel ‘Rusty’ Brown of Electric Mary at Be-One Studios where the band recorded their forthcoming single ‘No Colour’. ‘No Colour’ gained the attention of Rue Morgue Records’ John Raptis who immediately got the sum of all things HZED are and not only offered to put the track on the forthcoming ‘Murders In The Rue Morge Vol.3’ he offered to do a strictly limited 7” vinyl run of the song, which will feature another track from the sessions at Be-One Studios ‘Point Of View’.

‘No Colour’ will be available on all of the usual streaming platforms February 15, 2022.

HZED are :

Michelle MacPherson | Vocals

Shannon Stewart | Guitars & Vocals

Adam Murray | Bass

Sam | Drums

January 21, 2022

EDGE OF PARADISE 

Biography  

"Music from another world" That's how Edge Of Paradise sound is usually described. Upcoming album, “The Unknown” is Edge Of Paradise's 4th studio album, coming on the heels of their greatly-received 3rd album, and Frontiers Records debut, “Universe”. The band teamed up with renowned producer Howard Benson (Halestorm, Seether...) who, together with Mike Plotnikoff (Halestorm, Three Days Grace) and Neil Sanderson (Three Days Grace) helped the band craft their biggest sounding album yet. 

Edge of Paradise's founding members, vocalist/keyboardist Margarita Monet and guitarist Dave Bates, have found their perfect partners in crime with the addition of drummer Jamie Moreno and bassist Justin Blair.

Edge Of Paradise was formed by Margarita Monet and Dave Bates in 2011. Few months after formation, the band released their debut album 'Mask' that featured rhythm section of bassist Tony Franklin (Blue Murder, The Firm) and drummer Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth Band). 'Mask' came at #6 most added on national CMJ  radio, right behind Machine Head and solidified existence of Edge Of Paradise. An album chockfull of industrial-tinged metal coupled with soaring vocal hooks, was greatly received by critics and fans worldwide.
 

Legendary Rock Interviews stated "Once in a while a new band comes along that not only has a unique sound of its’ own but draws upon all the things we love about metal or rock to begin with. Edge of Paradise are one of the best independent bands to come out of L.A. in some time."
 

After the release of 'Mask', touring numerous states on the West Coast and landing a gig in HI, the group immediately began writing to showcase the bands maturity and define the direction that was pre-empted by “Mask”.  

By 2013, the band started working with legendary Michael Wagener on the mix of the new songs and recording with grammy winning producer Bob Kulick (Kiss, Motorhead), 'Perfect Shade Of Black' was the result. The EP was made available only via physical release, before the worldwide full-length album release in 2015. The EP received rave reviews, painting a vivid picture of the bands staggering growth, and if public perception is any indicator, the lyric video for one of the songs "Breakaway" quickly reached 200,000 views with the debut on AOL's "Noisecreep."
RushOnRock.com said; "Monet really lets rip on title track Perfect Shade Of Black – opening up her powerful pipes to reveal a vocal range her peers on the female-fronted metal scene can only dream of... it’s obvious why this band’s big news on the retro-obsessed LA scene right now."
 

2014 served as a heavy touring year for the band, Edge Of Paradise toured West Coast and East Coast, as well as hitting some states in midwest. And after playing in over 18 states and signing with German based label, Pure Steel Records the band released their second full length studio album. IMMORTAL WALTZ, produced and recorded by the legendary Michael Wagener was released May 2015. Right away the album has started to receive great review from critiques from online and print magazines. Revolver magazine took note of the band and released their music videos for single "In A Dream" and "Rise For The Fallen". The album was voted album of the week by Revolver's readers.
 

The band, tighter than ever, is ready to blow everyone away once they are back on the road with this stunning new music in tow. Current plans are for the band to tour extensively through 2022 in support of "The Unknown" as well, with touring announcements coming up soon. Want to be a part of the world? The band is one of the most engaging bands out there, welcoming and interacting with fans from all over the world! So follow them on social media, get to know them after their shows and enjoy the music of Edge Of Paradise!

DEFRYME are the first signing to POWER 2 MANAGEMENT and what a way to start things off. DEFRYME have just inked a deal with GOLDEN ROBOT RECORDS to see their back catalogue receiving a deluxe; first time on vinyl treatment. 

Apple Music and Spotify will have the back catalogue available for your streaming pleasure for the first time  EVER. A new DEFRYME album simply titled 4.0 is due for a 2022 release.

DEFRYME and GOLDEN ROBOT RECORDS have partnered together to make their back catalogue available for the first time on Apple Music & Spotify imminently and that for the first time ever the entire discography will be meticulously repackaged and available on limited edition Vinyl and is scheduled for an early 2022 release.

2021 not only celebrates the 25th anniversary of their chart topping album 'PUREKILLER', but it will also see the return of DEFRYME to the live stage in the last quarter of this year.
2022 will be bigger and better again for DEFRYME as it will see the soon to be completed new album simply titled '4.0' released. 

Fans won't have to wait that long for the live return which will enthral the senses with an incredible live show which will include of all the hits, deep cuts and new material.

The Black Skeleton is Quinn Gardener-Kane of DEFRYME fames new project. It is a project Quinn started, writing and recording these ideas piece by piece back in 2019 for nothing but his own musings.

The Black Skeleton is an eclectic collection of songs that partner with each other so perfectly that an EP’s worth of music manifested itself before his very ears. The Black Skeleton is a powerful melodic rock journey, filled with beautifully haunting themes. 

Aside from the new look 2021 DEFRYME, Quinn Gardener-Kane has been busy putting his idle hands to work. What simply started as a therapeutic journey into writing and recording his creative musings has evolved into an emotive beast of its own. 

The Black Skeleton and its name simply showcase’s the inner thoughts and stories of Quinn’s life experiences; some dark, some haunting, but always personal. The themes and depth of the collection of songs that have become The Black Skeleton will resonate, spook and have a different point of resonation with each listen.

Quinn Gardener-Kane knows that now is the right time to evolve his collection of recorded songs into a live experience, which will only further stir the senses and compliment the songs. 

Having just inked a deal with Australia’s Golden Robot Records, Quinn is now preparing and putting the final touches to a collection of songs that will become an EP slated for release later this year. Quinn has sought after and secured some of Australia’s most accomplished musicians to assist in these final recordings.

While the final live band for live performances is yet to be confirmed rest assured Quinn Gardener-Kane will surround himself with some of Australia’s finest musicians to deliver a collection of songs that will stay with you and excite your senses in ways Quinn Gardener-Kane can only do.

The Black Skeleton will drop jaws with their debut single 'The Ledge' slated for release late September 2021. Stay tuned for details.

2022 will become known as the year of The Black Skeleton.

Stonetrip hail from Melbourne,  the undisputed Rock N Roll capital of Australia.  

Formed in 2019 Stonetrip have built a loyal and  always growing following on the Melbourne live scene. Their live performances are energetic, engaging and electric.  

Stonetrip have elements of all the classic hard rock bands you have come to love; while there are elements that define and cross decades, they play their own brand of hard rock with all of the elements you could ever want. Catchy choruses, killer riffs and anthemic songs that will stay with you and stand the test of time.  

Signed to GOLDEN ROBOT RECORDS in 2020, Stonetrip have delivered 3 singles, one being a AA side 7” vinyl single Sideways/ Runaway. Both songs live set staples and fan favourites.  

While Covid has slowed down the bands opportunity to play live shows they have been busy, securing a two date support slot with Rose Tattoo in Tasmania November 2021. This mini tour of Tasmania will increase the bands exposure in a new market.  

Other down time between gigs has seen the band busy recording their debut full length album at Lighthill Sound Recording Studios with the one and only Ricki Rae at the reigns.  

2022 will see the band release their debut full length album via GOLDEN ROBOT RECORDS.

Melbourne live favourites  CICADASTONE are a 90's flavoured rock band that have a sound that transcends the genre that most would quickly lump them into. Regardless of genre you want define them with, they exude the Rock N Roll spirit. One that is timeless and had huge appeal.

CICADASTONE is the love child of Mat Robins and his brother Mark. It is a passion where songwriting is masterful and meaningful, deep and engaging.

Being prolific song writers the Robins brothers have written hundreds of songs over their career and have been careful in selecting only their finest songs for the two releases. The 2016 independent debut 'Chance Collide' gained the band a strong following. 

Fast forward to 2021 and released the sophomore album 'Cold Chamber' released through GOLDEN ROBOT RECORDS to critical acclaim. The band has a new line up; one that has now been together since 2019. The addition of Tommy Sunset & Jarod Medwin who themselves are no strangers to the Melbourne live music. 

While Covid has brought the touring and gig world to its knees CICADASTONE have released three singles from 'Cold Chamber' - 'Box Of Anger', 'Dying In Sunshine' and 'Out Of Sight'. A forth single is planned for release in the later part of 2021 which will wrap up the album perfectly.

Looking ahead CICADATONE have no plans but to pick up even more momentum with 2022. A new single, an EP and a re-release of 'Chance Collide', which will see it reworked/remastered; and available on vinyl for the first time.

Rest assured CICADATONE are ready to play live again when things allow. Their partnership with POWER 2 MANAGEMENT will see them everywhere in 2022 if not before. 

If you aren't familiar with CICADASTONE yet, check them out and keep an eye out for them and given them a listen.